August 9, 2008

The day started with a beautiful sunrise this morning. After the darkness of night, we can always count on the fact that the sun will come up in the morning. Each day brings with it new opportunity, and represents the endless continuum that is life. And so on the one year anniversary of Dale's departure from this physical plane, we celebrate the fact that she is as alive in our hearts, mind and spirits as she ever was, and will always continue to be.

In each butterfly, sunrise, sunset, flower, or smile of someone who knew and loved her, the memory of Dale, and all she represented comes to light. As we have all spent time together throughout this journey, our love for each other, and healing that is derived therefrom, helps to carry on that which she created during her life, and that which shall continue in her physical absence. There is no way to minimize what Dale's passing has meant to her children and loved ones, but that which she left us is so strong, that through her strength, we find our own.

Through Dale's example we can learn to practice gratitude. We can learn that nothing should be taken for granted, and those things that are most lasting and significant come from a loving place of compassion and forgiveness. That the time to live is now, that the time to be happy is now, that the time to leave the past behind and comes to terms with our pain is now.

It is a simple lesson, yet runs as deeps as the deepest waters, as expansive as the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina (and more) and as infinite as the Universe itself. We apply this lesson by practicing self love first, for it is through the love of self that we learn to love others. We apply this lesson through mindfulness, for it is only through conscious and intentional living that we have the awareness to put these ideas into action. And finally, we apply this lesson by remembering, remembering that the most important thing on Earth is Love.

I want to thank everyone.................too many to list..........xxx0000

tomorrow Jake, Liza and Betsy fly home. Tim and I will put Joy in the van and hitail it home (on the highway)...............I will keep you posted......